Arsenal Manager Praises Jack Wilshere's Character

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (L) talks to Jack Wilshere during a team training session at their training ground in London Colney, on 18 February, 2013Reuters

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised midfielder Jack Wilshere after his performance against West Bromwich Albion.

Claudio Yacob gave a lead for Steve Clarke's side just before the break. However, the Gunners bounced backed with an equaliser in the second half, with the England international netting the goal with a beautifully taken half volley. The game finished 1-1.

"He had a difficult first half but he has shown he has character and he kept going," Wenger was quoted as saying by ESPN FC. "It is good he was rewarded."

"I don't think he will ever be a goalscorer," the French manager continued. "He is a player who can create chances and provide chances for others. That is as important. It is good he knows he can score."

Wilshere has recently come under intense media scrutiny after being pictured smoking outside a nightclub. Wenger dismissed any suggestions of his off-field behaviour subverting his commitment to the club.

Instead, the Frenchman believes the media furor is a product of the midfielder being a public personality in contemporary society. Wenger believes that it is important for Wishere to learn from this experience.

"He is an honest guy and when he is wrong he knows it," Wenger explained. "Today the players don't get away with anything. We got away with more."

"They know that is the rules of the game and of modern society," he continued. "They have to deal with it. He learns very quickly. What is more interesting for England and Arsenal is that he shows the right approach on the pitch."

The draw leaves Arsenal joint top of the Premier League with Liverpool. Both teams have the same number of points and the same goal difference. Arsenal are only in front of their north west rivals by virtue of goals scored. Wenger believes the draw was a fair result.

"Over the whole game, I think it's a fair point," he told Sky Sports. "Over the last half-an-hour, I have some regrets, because we could feel we had the opportunities to score a second goal."

"We again have shown character to come back into this game and in the second half being a goal down to equalize," Wenger concluded.